Pennsylvania city employee and school board member LaTarsha Brown faces criminal charges after DNA evidence suggests she fabricated a hate crime by planting a noose at her own desk, sparking community division between those who believe she’s a victim of retaliation and authorities who claim she orchestrated a hoax.
Key Insights
- LaTarsha Brown, an Allentown city employee and school board member, has been charged with making false reports and tampering with evidence after allegedly staging a hate crime against herself.
- DNA testing by Pennsylvania State Police found only Brown’s DNA on the noose, and she was the only city employee who initially refused to provide a DNA sample.
- Brown initially cooperated with investigators but later requested that the investigation be discontinued, raising suspicions about her involvement.
- Community supporters claim the charges against Brown are retaliatory and part of a “smear campaign” against someone fighting for equity and justice.
- A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for April 22, with Brown currently remaining employed at City Hall.
DNA Evidence Points to Self-Staged Incident
The Allentown Police Department launched a criminal investigation after city employee LaTarsha Brown reported finding a noose at her desk on January 10. The discovery immediately triggered outrage, with City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach describing herself as “irate and angry” over what was initially characterized as a hate crime. Investigators collected evidence from the scene and began interviewing potential witnesses while reviewing surveillance footage and building access records to identify possible suspects.
Police Chief Charles Roca revealed that every city employee except Brown initially agreed to provide DNA samples for testing. Brown’s DNA was eventually obtained through a court order. When the Pennsylvania State Police crime lab processed the evidence, they made a startling discovery: the only DNA found on the noose matched Brown’s. This forensic evidence led to charges of making false reports and tampering with evidence against the school board member.
City Officials Express Shock and Disappointment
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk did not mince words when addressing the charges against Brown. “It’s doubly shocking that an employee would — that she would have fabricated this incident,” Tuerk stated. The mayor noted that despite the troubling nature of the case, it had sparked important conversations within City Hall about inclusion and mutual respect among employees. The investigation revealed that Brown’s cooperation with police deteriorated as evidence mounted against her.
The case has drawn comparisons to the high-profile 2019 incident involving actor Jussie Smollett, who was convicted of staging a hate crime against himself in Chicago. While police have not disclosed a possible motive for Brown’s alleged actions, the investigation found that she made vague and deceptive statements during questioning. Brown remains employed at City Hall and continues to serve on the Allentown School Board while awaiting her day in court.
Community Divided Over Allegations
Brown has found vocal defenders in the community who insist she is being unfairly targeted. Community organizer Josie Lopez has emerged as one of Brown’s strongest advocates, suggesting the charges are part of a coordinated effort to silence an advocate for justice. “This is not just an attack on LaTarsha. This is a warning to anyone in Allentown who dares to stand up against injustice. This is a smear campaign. This is retaliation,” Lopez stated in defense of Brown.
The January incident prompted protests outside City Hall demanding accountability and changes within local government. Lopez has claimed that Brown was not treated appropriately as a victim when she reported finding the noose, alleging she was not offered security or protection. Brown’s supporters highlight her history of advocating for equity and justice and suggest she has previously faced discrimination and retaliation for her activism. Chief Roca emphasized that despite the charges, Brown “will be presumed innocent unless found guilty by jurors” at her April 22 preliminary hearing.
Sources:
- PA city worker accused of staging ‘hate crime’ hoax after allegedly planting noose at her own desk
- Local Pennsylvania politician staged hate crime by planting noose at her OWN desk, cops claim
- Allentown City Hall employee charged with planting noose at own desk
